Days of Ferrari: Day XII

Ferrari was more than back on their game at the dawn of the 1970s; at a time when other manufacturers were floundering, Ferrari created a modern, hugely capable and appealing car that became an instant superstar, the 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Spyder

Many enthusiasts consider the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 to be the definitive front-engined sportscar, the ultimate example of the traditional grand tourer, and it is undoubtedly a classic design. The open Spyder configuration is a favourite among the world’s Ferraristi, and often mentioned as one of the cars most would like to own. The combination of Ferrari’s superb engineering and Pininfarina’s design is hard to beat. There are cars that look great but drive badly, and others that drive well but are not beautiful, but in the ownership of a Daytona can be had the best of both worlds.

Alongside the 365 GTB/4 Berlinetta, Ferrari also produced a small series of 365 GTB/4 Spyders. These are among the most-sought-after open Ferraris and have always been held in high regard. It was a worthy successor to the previous 275 GTB/4 and was quickly nicknamed “Daytona” in recognition of Ferrari’s one-two-three win at the 24-hour race the previous year.

The first “Daytona Spyder” was presented at the 44th Annual IAA Motor Show in Frankfurt on 11 September 1969. The example shown was finished in yellow with the concave bodyline finished in black, and featured Borrani wire wheels. The rear wings were squared-off on the top edges, losing some of the roundness of the Berlinetta and subtly altering the accent of the bodyline. The first 365 GTB/4 Spyder was fitted with the Perspex covered headlamps, although all further Daytona Spyders were fitted with the pop-up headlamps.

In all, Ferrari produced just 121 Daytona Spyders, plus the prototype. 96 units were destined for the U.S. market and only 25 were built to European specifications (seven of which were right hand drive). Clearly, the bulk of production was destined for Ferrari’s most important export market, the USA.

This car is one of these desirable U.S. versions. It is the 26th Daytona Spyder built by Carrozzeria Scaglietti in Modena and was originally ordered in yellow (Giallo Fly 20-Y-191) with a black interior. According to the factory files, 22 of the 121 cars built, plus the prototype, were originally painted in the traditional Giallo Fly. Serial number 14671 has Scaglietti body number 636 and was equipped with the desirable feature of air conditioning. As a U.S. delivery car, the speedometer is calibrated in MPH.

Chassis number 14671 was completed in October 1971; the original destination was Luigi Chinetti Motors in Greenwich, Connecticut. After certificate of origin number 8747 was issued, the brand new yellow 365 GTB/4 Spyder was shipped on 18 December 1971 aboard the vessel “SS Savonita” from Italy to New York, where it arrived on Thursday the 27th January 1972. It was again a Thursday, when on 2nd March 1972 Chinetti Motors invoiced the Spyder to Roger Penske’s Chevrolet dealership in Southfield, Michigan.

Penske then actually leased it from 1972 to 1976 to first owner J. Anthony Forstman, a businessman in New York City. In October 1978 this Daytona Spyder was back at Chinetti Motors who advertised it for sale in the Los Angeles Times, and it is believed to be at this time that it entered the long-term ownership of Mr. Edsel Ford II of Dearborn, MI.,

On the 3rd of August 2002 Mr. Ford showed this beautiful Daytona Spyder during the prestigious Concours Italian Style at Grosse Point Shores, Michigan. Never neglected or abused this highly original car has been kept garaged at the owner’s private residence and has been very well maintained for its entire life. For many years Daytona Spyders have been the world’s fastest convertibles. Today they remain most enthusiasts’ dream ride – whether along the Pacific Coast Highway or touring the French Riviera.